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Big Game for PA 11-12 All Star Little League Teams on Saturday

The tournament started out with 17 teams, but only 6 are left standing. When play started on June 30, it looked like the two Palo Alto teams might meet up in the winner's bracket on July 11.

But that's not how it worked out. PA National got knocked into the elimination bracket by Hillsborough, losing 9-3 on July 6. PAN had won their first game, 14-2 over San Mateo American, on June 30.

Since then the PA National squad has won three straight games while hitting a total of 10 home runs. PA National eliminated Half Moon Bay, 15-5 before toppling host Belmont/Redwood Shores 11-3.

Last night, in a thriller that came down to the bottom of the 6th, PA National beat a tough Redwood City Highlanders team in a pitcher's duel, 2-1. Austin Poore hit a walk-off home run with one out in the bottom of the 6th. PA's other RBI came when Kirby Gee drove in pinch-runner Nick Wells from 3rd; Gee reached base on a rare Highlanders' error.

Clay Carey pitched a brilliant complete game -- a rarity with the pitch count limits in place -- using only 65 pitches over 6 innings.

PA American won two games, beating Menlo-Atherton in an offensive nail-biter, 12-11, and then blasting Ravenswood 10-0. PAA then ran into the San Mateo National juggernaut, losing 10-4 and setting up the North-South match.

The elimination game between PA National and PA American will take place on Saturday, July 14 at 9AM at Belmont/Redwood Shores Marina Field. The winner moves on to play for the elimination bracket championship, and a spot in the tournament championship game on the road to Williamsport.